The U.S. cryptocurrency market is bracing for a surge of new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) after regulators streamlined approval standards, reducing hurdles for issuers.
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last week approved new listing standards that allow crypto ETFs meeting predetermined requirements to launch without lengthy, case-by-case reviews. Approval timelines have decreased to as little as 75 days, compared to the previous maximum of 270 days.
Analysts say the change could unlock demand for funds tied to digital assets beyond bitcoin and Ethereum. The first ETFs tracking Solana and XRP are expected as early as October.
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More than a dozen firms have already filed with the SEC, with many rushing to amend applications after the rule change. “We’re all getting ready for a wave of launches,” said Steven McClurg, founder of Canary Capital Group.
Grayscale Investments moved fastest, converting its private fund into the Grayscale CoinDesk Crypto 5 ETF less than 48 hours after the SEC decision. The fund includes Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano. CEO Peter Mintzberg called the launch a win for “public market access, regulatory clarity and product innovation.”
To qualify under the new rules, ETFs must meet at least one of three conditions:
- The underlying coin already trades on a regulated market.
- The coin has U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission-regulated futures trading for at least six months.
- Another ETF holds at least 40% of its assets directly in the cryptocurrency.
“Not all of our filings qualify,” admitted Kyle DaCruz, director of digital assets at VanEck. “The next step is to see which products can move forward and how fast they can hit the market.”
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While the streamlined process paves the way for dozens of new products, questions remain about investor appetite for ETFs tied to lesser-known coins. “There will be a flood of tokens that many folks have never heard of,” DaCruz warned. “Instead of years of education, as with bitcoin, the industry will now have weeks or months.”
With faster approvals and fierce competition, the fourth quarter of 2025 is shaping up as boom time for crypto ETF issuers.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
